Barney/Eng 90
ESSAY ONE
Essay Topic:
Drawing from the articles in America Now, your knowledge, personal experiences and
observations, write a persuasive essay in which you explore the media’s role in crises that
face our society today.
Questions To Consider:
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How useful is the media during a crisis?
Does the media encourage our overreaction? Why? What is the implication of this?
Does the media create the crisis?
How do you personally respond to a sensational news story? Do you rely on the news
coverage or your own assessment of reality?
Format Requirements:
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MLA Format
12 point Times New Roman font
double-spaced
1 inch margins
2-3 pages (2 full pages minimum)
Due Dates:
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Thesis statement and outline
3 copies of typed, completed rough draft
Final draft (include the rough draft)
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Guidelines:
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Proofread carefully!
Directly refer to at least one of the articles in America Now by quoting or paraphrasing.
Do not use any outside resources other than the articles in America Now.
Grading Rubric
THESIS and CONTENT (Development)
The essay has a thesis—a single, central point that is interesting, original, debatable and substantial.
The central idea is developed in the essay through well-chosen, appropriate, concrete details that
show originality and freshness. Author shows rather than merely tells. Generalizations and
assertions are defended. Arguments are logical and supported with at least one direct reference to
America Now.
Points
/40
ORGANIZATION
The essay is organized and well structured (there is a beginning, a body, and a conclusion). The
essay exhibits a clear strategy for persuasion and pattern of development. The organization works
with the thesis so that the thesis and the organization contribute to serving the purpose of the essay.
Essay does not digress from central point. Transitions help the paper flow smoothly. Introductory
paragraph is interesting and appropriate. Concluding paragraph is satisfying.
/20
PARAGRAPHS
Paragraphs are organized, unified and coherent. Each supporting paragraph has a controlling idea
(which may be expressed in a topic sentence). In supporting paragraphs, topic idea helps further the
thesis.
/20
STYLE
Sentences are mature and parallel. Sentences show variety of pattern and are rhetorically effective.
The essay is written in a style and tone appropriate to the audience, topic and purpose. Words are
appropriate and well chosen. Writer avoids jargon and slang. Writer seems to be speaking in an
authentic voice. Paper is enjoyable and interesting.
/10
GRAMMAR, SPELLING, MECHANICS
Substantially free of errors in grammar (comma splices, fragments, run-on sentences, agreement,
etc.), spelling, and mechanics (margins, format, etc.).
/10
Total
/100